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Related Concept Videos

Assessment of the Rectum and Anus01:25

Assessment of the Rectum and Anus

Evaluating the rectum and anus plays a crucial role in conducting a thorough physical examination of the gastrointestinal system. Although it may be uncomfortable and often embarrassing for the patient, it holds immense diagnostic value, particularly in detecting gastrointestinal diseases and abnormalities. This guide will explain how to perform this assessment using inspection and palpation methods.
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...
Assessment of the Gastrointestinal System I: Subjective Data01:17

Assessment of the Gastrointestinal System I: Subjective Data

Assessing the gastrointestinal (GI) system is a complex process that begins with collecting subjective data. This data, collected through patient interviews, provides crucial insights into the patient's health history, perception patterns, and lifestyle habits, all contributing significantly to GI health.
Health History
The initial step in assessing the GI system is obtaining a comprehensive health history. This includes inquiring about the patient's history or presence of problems related to...
Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation01:30

Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation

Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is classified into subtypes based on the predominant bowel habits as determined by the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS). The subtypes are:
Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS01:21

Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS

Pharmacological therapies for IBS-C are designed to alleviate abdominal discomfort and enhance bowel function. In patients with IBS-C, fiber supplements may help soften stools and decrease straining, but may also lead to increased gas production and bloating. Osmotic laxatives like milk of magnesia are frequently used to soften stools and increase stool frequency in IBS-C patients. In addition, two drugs approved for use in severe IBS-C adult cases are linaclotide (Linzess) and lubiprostone...
Imaging Studies III: Gastrointestinal Motility Studies and Virtual Colonoscopy01:26

Imaging Studies III: Gastrointestinal Motility Studies and Virtual Colonoscopy

This lesson explores three gastrointestinal imaging techniques: radionuclide testing, colonic transit studies, and virtual colonoscopy.
Radionuclide Testing
Radionuclide testing is a sophisticated medical technique for assessing gastrointestinal motility. It focuses on gastric emptying and colonic transit time. Radioactive markers track the movement of food through the digestive system, providing insights into gastrointestinal disorders.
In gastric emptying studies, a meal's liquid and solid...
Assessment of the Gastrointestinal System II: Health Perception Pattern01:29

Assessment of the Gastrointestinal System II: Health Perception Pattern

Assessing the gastrointestinal (GI) system is a complex process that begins with collecting subjective data. This data, collected through patient interviews, provides crucial insights into the patient's health history, perception patterns, and lifestyle habits, all contributing significantly to GI health.
Health Perception Patterns
Health perception patterns offer valuable insights into a patient's lifestyle habits and how they may impact their GI health. These patterns include:

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 13, 2026

Acupoint Application Combined with Acupoint Massage for Treating Constipation in a Patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
03:50

Acupoint Application Combined with Acupoint Massage for Treating Constipation in a Patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Published on: August 18, 2023

Evaluation of constipation.

Amer M Alame1, Heidi Bahna

  • 1Department of Colorectal Surgery, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida.

Clinics in Colon and Rectal Surgery
|March 2, 2013
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Evaluating chronic constipation involves identifying risk factors and subtypes like slow transit or obstructive defecation. Advanced diagnostic studies aid in pinpointing causes when lifestyle changes fail.

Keywords:
anorectal manometrycauses of constipationdefecographyevaluation of constipationradiopaque marker study

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 13, 2026

Acupoint Application Combined with Acupoint Massage for Treating Constipation in a Patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
03:50

Acupoint Application Combined with Acupoint Massage for Treating Constipation in a Patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Published on: August 18, 2023

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Colorectal Surgery
  • Digestive Health

Background:

  • Chronic constipation is a complex condition affecting many patients, often defined by Rome III criteria.
  • Identified risk factors include female sex, advanced age, poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, and lower socioeconomic status.
  • Ruling out colonic malignancy is crucial in elderly patients presenting with constipation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To outline the multifaceted evaluation of chronically constipated patients.
  • To differentiate between slow transit constipation and obstructive defecation.
  • To identify secondary causes and guide diagnostic testing.

Main Methods:

  • Detailed patient history to distinguish between slow transit and obstructive defecation.
  • Physical examination including abdominal, perineal, and rectal assessments.
  • Utilizing various diagnostic studies such as transit studies, defecography, manometry, and imaging when conservative measures fail.

Main Results:

  • Functional constipation has two major subtypes: slow transit and obstructive defecation.
  • Lifestyle modifications are often the first line of treatment.
  • A range of specialized tests are available for further evaluation if initial treatments are unsuccessful.

Conclusions:

  • The evaluation of chronic constipation requires a systematic approach, considering patient history, risk factors, and physical examination.
  • Differentiating subtypes and identifying secondary causes are key steps in management.
  • Advanced diagnostic tools play a vital role in diagnosing the underlying mechanisms of functional constipation.